The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

Merry Christmas from all of us at Exo Mtn Gear! As a thank you to everyone who supported the launch of our new K4 Pack Systems this year, we wanted to give away some of our favorite hunting gear. We took everyone who purchased a K4 Pack this year, drew random names, and gave away some great prizes that are worth a total of around $10,000 SEE THE PRIZES & WINNERS — https://exomtngear.com/christmas Please support the companies that contributed to this great giveaway.

Today's guest, Adam, reached out to us about a very unique hunt he went on earlier this year, in Nepal for Blue Sheep. We knew that this hunt involved very big mountains and a unique species of sheep, but that's about it. We were excited to discuss this hunt with Adam — to hear about the adventure and learn more about this unique hunt. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Photos from Adam's Hunt: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/november-23-himalayan-blue-sheep-story.337291/ Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss how to not "waste the winter" and what they do during the winter to stay productive and motivated, to not regress before the next hunting season. They also discuss what they do, specifically, to stay "in it" on tough solo hunts. And if "smart rangefinders" that create waypoints are something that they use. SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We have been using onX Maps for many years. First, using the state-specific chips on a handheld Garmin GPS, and then using the phone-based onX Hunt app. While the features and capabilities of onX have grown tremendously, we haven't personally kept up to date enough to take advantage of all that onX can do for us these days. In today's conversation with onX's Dylan Dowson, we wanted to learn more about the capabilities we're not using in onX. Dylan shares the specific new features that he finds most helpful for backcountry hunting, some of the common mistakes that onX users make, and how onX thinks about advancing technology and hunting ethics. onX HUNT — https://onxmaps.com/hunt Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss the trade-off of hunting Alaska, even if it means not hunting your normal seasons and species. They answer follow-up questions from their recent Gear of the Year podcast. And they provide some guidance on planning your own Death Hike. Mapping Apps to Consider: - https://onxmaps.com/hunt - https://caltopo.com/ - https://fatmap.com/ - https://www.gaiagps.com/ - https://www.basemap.com/ - https://www.backcountrynavigator.com/ - https://store.avenza.com/pages/app-features - https://www.google.com/earth/about/versions/ PhoneSkope & Multi-Lens Setup: https://phoneskope.com/dual-lens-smartphone-cameras-part-2/ SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

At the end of each year, we like to look back and highlight some of the specific gear that made a difference on our hunts that year. We don't necessarily highlight gear that is newly released this year, or even "new to us". Any gear that made a difference on our hunts in this year is something we may highlight. In this episode, Steve & Mark highlight their "gear of the year" picks for 2023. https://exomtngear.com/gear-of-the-year At the link above you'll find our 2023 gear selections, links to previous years' gear selections, and YOUR (listener) gear suggestions for 2023. Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

It is an interesting time of year to think about nutrition, fitness, and our habits. With most hunting seasons wrapping up and plenty of holiday festivities on going, a lot of folks may find themselves heading into January looking to make some changes and new goals for the new year. Today we are joined by registered dietician, owner of Valley to Peak Nutrition, and our good friend, Kyle Kamp. Kyle shares some simple strategies for navigating the holidays, the best way to make (and achieve) goals for the new year, and much more. In a far left-turn from nutrition, we even talk about the best base layers for hunting. CONNECT WITH KYLE... - https://www.v2pnutrition.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/v2pnutrition/ - NEW Foundations+ Program: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/challenge-page/foundations_plus SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt this fall, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear about how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. In today's episode, we speak with two buddies, Matt and Steve, who went to Colorado during archery season to hunt elk for the first time. We discuss how the hunt went, the lessons they learned, the gear they used, and much more. The "Before the Hunt" Episode with Matt & Steve: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/418 LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark chat through the things they do after the end of hunting season, so that they are as prepared as possible for next year's hunts. SHARE YOUR "GEAR OF THE YEAR" or PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt this fall, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear about how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. In today's episode, we speak with brother and sister, Logan and Brittany. Logan joined us in the "before" episode to tell us about his plans to take his sister, Brittany, on her very first backpack hunt this fall. Logan and Brittany join us for this conversation to share how the hunt went, what lessons they each learned, and how this experience changed Brittany. The "Before the Hunt" Episode with Logan: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/420 EXO SALE — https://exomtngear.com/ LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

There is only one sale a year at Exo Mtn Gear, and it starts NOW. Save 10% site-wide for a limited-time... https://exomtngear.com/ In today's podcast, Mark & Jake recap Jake's recent whitetail hunt, which was his first time hunting whitetails and hunting from a treestand. Jake shares the story of his success, the lessons he learned, and they also discuss packs for whitetail hunting. SHARE YOUR "GEAR OF THE YEAR" or PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: http://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt this fall, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear about how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. In today's episode we speak with Josh, who is an Idaho resident that drew a mountain goat tag in his home state. In this episode, Josh tells the hunt story, the lessons he learned, and much more. Josh's "Before the Hunt" Episode 421: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/421 LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark recap their trip to Kodiak and answer your questions about wolves and elk interactions, shooting a bow in cold weather, objective suppressor reviews, and more. Some Exo news coming SOON that you don't want to miss! Get notified... https://exomtngear.com/newsletter SHARE YOUR "GEAR OF THE YEAR" or PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark (and Jake!!) answer your questions about managing water in sub-freezing temps, comparing lightweight suppressors for hunting, and more. They also discuss Jake's upcoming whitetail hunt, which is his first time hunting from a treestand. Finally, they share some examples of poor pack fit, and how to fix them... PACK FITTING MISTAKES — BEFORE & AFTER EXAMPLES: https://exomtngear.com/fitfix SHARE YOUR QUESTION — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Gabriel from Ivory Holsters joins us to discuss his recent archery elk hunt, his experience with Death Hikes and how they have helped his hunting, the pistol holsters that he makes for hunting packs, and much more. EMG Pack Holster: https://ivoryholsters.com/exo Ivory Holsters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivoryholsters/ LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your questions about digiscoping with binoculars, packing heavy loads on steeper and shorter routes vs flatter and longer routes, how the x32 objective EL Range binos stack up against the x42 objective binos, and what bullet mark used on his recent elk hunt. Mark's Lessons & Reflections From His Elk Hunt: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/idaho-rifle-elk-deer-hunt-recap SHARE YOUR QUESTION — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark recap their recent rifle elk and deer hunt in Idaho. They had some struggles, found some success, and encountered some things that gave them new experiences. They share the story, what they learned, what they did right/wrong, and share some thoughts on stand-out gear from the trip. Gear List & Lessons Learned — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/idaho-rifle-elk-deer-hunt-recap ASK A QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your questions about post-hunt pack cleaning, the purpose of load-lifters on pack frames, if getting "into the weeds" and building your own arrows is worth it, and more... LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE: - PACK MISTAKES: https://exomtngear.com/mistakes - FRAME HEIGHT SELECTION: https://exomtngear.com/sizing SHARE YOUR QUESTION — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

It took 3 weeks of hard hunting for Graydon to fill his elk tag this past September. During that time, he didn't hear a single bugle or find fresh sign to speak of. In hearing his story, it sounded like there was an alien abduction of all elk in the units that he hunted. But, finally, one chance encounter led to him filling his tag in an unlikely way. This is a wild story of patience and persistence from a new elk hunter. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your questions about onX vs GoHunt for mapping in the field, and ballistic rangefinders (handheld vs binos). They also discuss modern hunting gear, a listener's campaign to raise money for Wounded Warriors, and the chance of an Exo charity golf tournament next year... LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE: - DONATE to the Wounded Warrior Fundraiser: https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.personalCampaign&participantID=14410 - Campfire in the Canadian Rockies: https://www.boone-crockett.org/camp-fires-canadian-rockies - onX New Feature Overview: https://youtu.be/6GrgJweGO3Y?si=juNumPx1xz2nlQ-1 SHARE YOUR QUESTION — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast